2014 Work-related Injury and Illness Statistics Released
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released work-related injury and illness statistics for 2014. According to the BLS, two key factors are used to measure the severity of these injuries and illnesses:
- Incidence rate: The number of cases, per 10,000 full-time employees, of injuries and illnesses that require time away from work.
- Average days away from work: The average number of days an employee spends away from work to recover from an injury or illness.
The BLS found that the overall incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injury and illness cases in 2014 was 107.1, down from a rate of 109.4 in 2013. The number of days away from work was approximately the same in both years. Additionally, the BLS detailed the most common workplace injuries and illnesses, as well as the most commonly affected parts of the body.
Common Injuries and Illnesses Sprains, strains and tears were the most common workplace injury in 2014. The incidence rate for these injuries was approximately 38.9 cases per 10,000 full-time employees, which represents a decrease from 2013’s rate of 40.2 cases. However, these are still significant injuries; on average, workers with sprains, strains or tears needed 10 days away from work to recover. The statistics also show that soreness and pain were common injuries, but generally required fewer days away from work.
Commonly Affected Parts of the Body The upper extremities (e.g., hands, shoulders) were most affected by injuries and illnesses in 2014, with an incidence rate of 32. Hands accounted for 40 percent of those cases, the most among upper extremities. However, shoulder injuries and illnesses required an average of 26 days away from work to recover, more than any other part of the body.
Musculoskeletal Disorders The BLS specifically noted that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) accounted for 32 percent of all workplace-related injuries and illnesses in 2014. Although the incident rate of MSDs was lower than it had been in 2013, these injuries can affect employees in any industry.
Where does your business stand? Is your Workers’ Compensation claim experience in line with these injury and illness statistics? If you would like assistance with benchmarking your claims, please contact Tiffany Passmore, The Flanders Group Director of Client Services at 800-462-6435 ext. 234.